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28 August 2026
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Debenhams

Cllr Henry Vann at Kempston Mill bridge. Inset: Queens Bridge in Kempston. Image: Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats

Monthly column: Stopping council waste, supporting the most vulnerable

I was delighted that the Liberal Democrats, alongside other opposition councillors, successfully stopped the Council from spending millions on a Conservative proposal to make...
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Protesters from the Citizen's Arrest Network surround Anglian Water CEO Mark Thurston at a London Train Station 15 October 2025. Image: Citizen's Arrest Network

Bedford Ian writes…

17 October 2025: Water palaver, Empty trail, No excuse, and 90s revival? Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Mayor rejects calls to sell former Debenhams building costing taxpayers £450,000 each year

Bedford Borough Council will wait until the end of the year to see if a development partner comes forward for the vacant Debenhams building, despite pressure to sell and cut costs...
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The former Debenhams store on the corner of Bedford High Street and Silver Street. Image: Kirkby Diamond

‘Mayes Yard’ town centre art space to be discussed at community meeting

A community meeting is being held tomorrow (Friday) to discuss a proposal for a town centre arts space in the Mayes Yard development of Bedford town centre. Local artists are encouraged...
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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

‘Empty’ Debenhams costing Bedford taxpayers half a million pounds each year

Bedford Borough Council is spending nearly half a million pounds a year on the former Debenhams building – with councillors clashing over whether the costly problems…
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The St James Club Bedford High Street Image MAK Studios The St James Club

New St. James Club to offer family-friendly fun and games in the heart of Bedford

A brand-new leisure and nightlife venue will open its doors on Bedford High Street on Monday, 1 July, offering interactive darts, pool, and cutting-edge golf simulators under one stylish roof...
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Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Mayor reflects on “incredible” first two years leading Bedford Borough Council

In an interview with the LDRS, Bedford Borough mayor Tom Wootton has described his first two years in office as “incredible”. Reflecting on the demanding nature of the role...
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Mayor Tom Wootton with councillors and officers of Bedford Borough Council outside the new What's On Hub

“This is Bedford’s time to shine” says mayor at official opening of What’s On Hub

Bedford's elected mayor said that the launch of the Borough's new What's On Hub was a proud day for the town and had been "in the planning for a long time." The new hub was officially...
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Two desks at the newly opened What's On Hub in the former Debenham building.

Former Debenhams partially reopens as ‘what’s on hub’ for Bedford town centre

The former Debenhams building in Bedford town centre is partially reopening as a 'what's on' hub to promote and celebrate local cultural events and support tourism. The What's On Bedford…
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The former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Independent

Letters: The future can be bright for Bedford if we react to opportunities ahead

Andrew Ruff’s suggestion of using the ground floor of Debenhams as an indoor market is an intriguing and innovative idea. However, I suspect that no feasible shopping proposal for the...
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